The best walks and hikes around Kentmere

Parking in the Kentmere valley is extremely limited. There is a small parking area near the Kentmere Institute and St Cuthbert's Church, but it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends. It's essential to arrive early to secure a spot. Please park considerately and avoid blocking gates or access for local residents and farm vehicles.

The Kentmere valley is quite remote and not directly served by regular bus or train services. The nearest train station is in Staveley, which is several miles away. From there, you would need to take a taxi or cycle to the start of the trails. Planning your journey in advance is crucial if you intend to use public transport.

Yes, while Kentmere is known for its challenging fell walks, there are more accessible options. The 'Miles Without Stiles' route offers a 4km linear walk on a smooth tarmac surface into the Upper Kentmere Valley, providing dramatic views of the high peaks without a strenuous climb. It's a great option for a gentler day out.

For a moderately challenging walk with lovely scenery, consider the View of Kentmere Reservoir – St Cuthbert's Church loop. This 10.4 km route offers great views of the reservoir and the surrounding fells and takes you past the historic church, all without the major ascents of the high-level ridge walks.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, but the area is active farmland with sheep grazing freely. You must keep your dog on a lead at all times, especially during lambing season (typically spring). The high-level ridge walks can be long and exposed with steep, rocky sections, so ensure your dog has the stamina and fitness for the terrain.

Reaching Kentmere Pike is generally considered a challenging hike. The Shipman Knotts summit – Summit of Kentmere Pike loop involves a significant amount of ascent over rough and sometimes boggy ground. It requires good fitness and navigation skills, rewarding hikers with expansive views from the summit.

Yes, if you're looking for a demanding but potentially quieter high-level experience, the Yoke Summit – Ill Bell loop is an excellent choice. It covers some of the same iconic, sharp-ridged fells as the full horseshoe but on a slightly shorter, 18.1 km circuit, offering a similarly dramatic day on the fells.

The Kentmere region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the sense of tranquility and isolation compared to busier parts of the Lake District. The dramatic, steep-sided fells and the stunning panoramic views from the high ridges are consistently highlighted as the main attractions.

There are over 25 curated hiking routes to explore around Kentmere on komoot. These range from challenging full-day ridge walks across multiple summits to more moderate and easy low-level paths through the valley, offering options for various fitness and experience levels.

The Kentmere valley itself is very secluded and does not have any pubs or cafes. For refreshments, you will need to travel to the nearby village of Staveley, which has several well-regarded options popular with walkers and cyclists.

In England and Wales, you do not have a legal right to camp wild without the landowner's permission. While it is sometimes tolerated in high, remote fell areas if done responsibly (arrive late, leave early, leave no trace), camping is strictly forbidden in the valley bottoms, near roads, or by the reservoir. Always follow the Countryside Code.

For a truly demanding day out, the Froswick Summit – Ill Bell loop is one of the most challenging options. At over 20 km with nearly 1,000 meters of ascent, this strenuous route tackles some of the area's highest and most rugged peaks, requiring excellent fitness and endurance.